Every child is a beautiful, unique creation. However, society often dictates what is considered a "normal" body image in your child's mind. Encouraging individuality and uniqueness from a young age is very important so that your child grows into a mentally strong and happy adult with a great self-image. Practice the following tips to encourage a healthy body image in your child, and you will be proud when he grows into a healthy and happy adult.
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Open Up Lines of Communication
From a very young age, you should let your children know they can talk to you about anything. Your child is never too young for you to promote two-way communication. Talk with your children frequently about the unique differences in all people. Point out examples of children, teens and adults the same age that look starkly different. Support individuality, proper nutrition and exercise, and always be there when your child needs to talk about whatever is on his mind.
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Lead by Example
Children absorb everything. If you have a child, you are no doubt amazed on a daily basis by the things they say and do. Have you ever had to ask your child, "Where did you hear that?" Children always have their ears and eyes turned to high alert, so make sure you lead by example, encouraging your child to view herself and her body in a positive way.
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Teach Your Child That their Hormones Are Raging
In the tween and teen years, the physical move to adulthood begins. So many internal processes are on overdrive, your child may speak and act irrationally in relationship to his body image. Explain to him that his body is going through so many important physical changes that things like pimples, oily hair, lack of coordination, skin conditions, growth spurts and voice changes can spring up out of nowhere. Your child will be more successful in developing and maintaining a healthy body image when he understands that this is a natural process all children his age go through.
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Promote Exercise and Proper Nutrition
It is easier for your child to have a healthy body image when he is actually healthy! Promoting proper nutrition and frequent exercise at a very young age can pay incredible dividends as your child moves from toddler to tween to teen to adulthood.
As much as 60% or 70% of your physical fitness and health is determined by nutrition alone, and regular exercise just makes it that much easier to stay fit and healthy, and maintain a good body image.
